Frosty The Snowman, Santa Welcome Season

Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman helped Allentown Mayor Joseph Daddona and 250 people kick off the holiday season in Allentown last night with a Festival of Music and Light at Center Square.

However, unlike other years, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on the square was not decorated.

"The Lehigh County veterans requested we not decorate it because it took away from the symbolism of the monument," explained Daddona.

Instead, the monument was lighted by two 400-watt floodlights that premiered last night and will be used permanently. Two more lights are expected to be installed next week.

In addition to the floodlights and usual holiday mall decorations, the trees on the square were decorated with white Italian lights.

"This is the best crowd I've seen for a lighting ceremony," said Teresa Wallack, executive director of the Allentown Center City Association. "I'm really happy to see so many families with small children here."

Santa and Frosty came up 7th Street in a horse-drawn wagon. The wagon was one of two provided by Don Hoffner of Wescosville which gave complimentary rides around the block.

The Allen High School Chorale provided music and led the crowd in the singing of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Silent Night."

The program concluded with the crowd singing "Let There Be Peace On Earth" while holding candles.

"We picked that song for the Christmas season. It's also appropriate for what's going on in the world," said Wallack.

Fifteen members of the Girls Club of Allentown handed out candy canes, song books and candles.

The program was sponsored by First National Bank, the center city association and the city.